How to Choose the Perfect Artificial Christmas Tree

Purchasing an artificial Christmas tree can be an effective and convincing alternative to decorating your home with a real tree. Compared to traditional Christmas trees, artificial trees require less maintenance and don’t create a sticky, sappy mess. When the first artificial trees entered stores, there were only a handful of models to choose from. Today, artificial trees can be purchased in all shapes and sizes to accommodate any living space. Pre-lit trees make decorating easier than ever before and branches that lock in place guarantee your valuable ornaments will stay hanging till the tree is boxed up in January.

The Right Price

Artificial trees generally cost anywhere between $100-$1000 depending on size, quality, and features. The first artificial trees were cheaply made and poorly replicated the aesthetic of a real tree. Today, even the least expensive artificial trees are relatively convincing. Although your artificial tree will never have the distinct piney aroma of a real tree, the more you are willing to spend, the more realistic artificial trees become. Some brands even offer trees that are made from the molds of real Norwegian spruce branches and various fir types. Cheaper artificial trees often carry two to three year warranties, with premium models insured for up to 10 years.

Pre-lit trees take away nearly all the hassle of decorating your tree, just hang up your ornaments and you’re done. Although pre-lit trees usually cost more than purchasing an unlit tree and going through the process of stringing lights, the time saved will convince most people to purchase a pre-lit tree. Pre-lit trees come in a variety of colors, and some even contain multi-color and white lights.

The Height of the Season

Have you ever bought a Christmas tree that scraped the ceiling once you brought it inside? Although artificial trees can be returned to the store if they don’t fit, assembling and disassembling them is a bit of a pain. Never purchase a new tree without first measuring the height of the ceiling. An average tree is roughly 7.5 feet tall, which should fit in most houses, but you can never be too careful. If you’re trying to deck the halls with a truly epic tree (10 feet or more) measuring the ceiling can become a do-or-die endeavor. Always measure twice, but only purchase once.

Artificial trees come in an array of styles. In fact, Christmas Lights Etc. offers 14 varieties of trees with different replicant firs including Fraser, Carolina, Noble, Balsam, Hunter, Douglas and more. Choosing the right fir and texture can help beautify your home without the use of lights, giving it a more natural aesthetic than your typical Christmas decorum.

A Place to Hibernate

Purchasing an artificial tree makes sense. With less mess, less maintenance, and no annual cost after the initial purchase, the artificial tree is theoretically superior to the traditional tree in nearly every way. However, there is one glaring drawback. When we’re done celebrating Christmas with a traditional tree, we throw it away or recycle it. Artificial trees have to be disassembled and stored, and they take up a lot of space. Designating a storage area before purchasing is important, otherwise that enormous box may end up in your living room come New Years Eve.

Purchasing the right artificial tree can save you from having to purchase another tree down the road. You wouldn’t pick the first real tree you saw at a farm would you? Shopping for artificial trees requires the same level of commitment and attention, but you won’t have to buy another tree next year.